Illinois Governor Warns Trump of ‘Response’ if National Guard Troops Deploy to Chicago
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker declared that the state “will not stand idly by” if President Donald Trump follows through on his warning to send the National Guard into Chicago to address the city’s crime situation.
“Unlike Donald Trump, we keep our promises,” Pritzker posted on X Wednesday. “We will not stand idly by if he decides to send the National Guard to intimidate Chicagoans.”
“Action will be met with a response,” the governor added.
This statement is the latest escalation in the ongoing clash between Pritzker and Trump, as discussions continue within the federal government over whether to dispatch troops to Chicago.
Just last week, Pritzker said there is no crisis that justifies federal intervention, accusing Trump of “attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power to distract from the pain he is causing working families.”
“The safety of the people of Illinois is always my top priority,” Pritzker stated Saturday. “There is no emergency that warrants the President of the United States federalizing the Illinois National Guard, deploying the National Guard from other states, or sending active duty military within our own borders. We will continue to follow the law, stand up for the sovereignty of our state, and protect the people of Illinois.”
By Monday, Pritzker sharpened his criticism, labeling the possible deployment “unconstitutional” and “un-American.”
“Donald Trump wants to use the military to occupy a U.S. city, punish its dissidents and score political points,” the governor said. “If this were happening in any other country, we would have no trouble calling it what it is — a dangerous power grab.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a fellow Democrat, cited police data showing a notable decline in violent crime over the past year — homicides and robberies dropped more than 30%, and shootings decreased by nearly 40%. Still, city statistics confirm overall crime remains higher than it was in 2021.
“The problem with the President’s approach is that it is uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound,” Johnson said Friday. “Unlawfully deploying the National Guard to Chicago has the potential to inflame tensions between residents and law enforcement when we know that trust between police and residents is foundational to building safer communities.”
“When we fight back against tyranny, the people united will always prevail,” the mayor added later.
Other state officials have also voiced opposition to the idea of deploying federal forces to the city.
Trump fired back Tuesday in a Truth Social post, blasting both Pritzker and Johnson. He called the governor “incompetent” and said the mayor is “no better.”
“A really DEADLY weekend in Chicago,” Trump wrote. “6 DEAD, 27 HURT IN CRIME SPREES ALLOVER THE CITY. Panic stricken Governor Pritzker says that crime is under control, when in fact it is just the opposite. He is an incompetent Governor who should call me for HELP. Mayor Johnson is no better. Make Chicago Great Again!”
This dispute follows Trump’s recent decision to ramp up federal security measures in Washington, D.C., deploying hundreds of federal agents and National Guard troops to the capital’s streets in an effort to reduce crime.
{Matzav.com}
